Why Bournemouth is the perfect summer destination

With seven miles of sandy beaches, nature reserves, plenty of heritage and a bustling town centre, Bournemouth has been a popular British seaside destination since the Victorian era. You can’t beat a day spent by the bay, with fun for all the family; building sandcastles, strolling the pier or sampling super-fresh seafood. There’s plenty more to explore in this Dorset resort town – read on for some vacation inspiration!

For the adventurous…

Try your hand at sailing, surfing, scuba diving, paddleboarding and more – the vast array of water sports on offer down by the beach front mean you can experience the stunning coastline in a myriad of ways. Bournemouth Pier also offers boat trips, as well as a RockReef climbing centre and PierZip. Fans of walking, hiking or cycling can head into the surrounding countryside – the Stour Valley Nature Reserve is only a 12-minute drive from our apartments. For added convenience, our Bournemouth apartments have a bike store on site.

For culture vultures…

Head to Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum where you can admire Victorian and pre-Raphaelite art, as well as the stunning panoramic coastal views afforded this listed cliff-top villa. It used to be the home of two Victorian travel enthusiasts who filled it with their collected treasures, and now also hosts regular exhibitions and events. For contemporary art, Bobby’s in Bournemouth Square is home to GIANT, a huge exhibition and events space. The Pavilion Theatre is also a great spot to enjoy musical theatre.

For shopaholics…

A short stroll through the tranquil Lower Gardens will take you directly into Bournemouth's main shopping district. The pedestrianised high street stretches in four directions from the town square, featuring a variety of brand names, independent shops and cafés - head to Westover Road for some really exclusive boutiques and retailers. Bournemouth’s newest shopping area, Castlepoint, is located just north of the town centre and houses 40+ high street brands.

For a delicious meal…

There are so many great restaurants, both in the town centre and lining the seafront. Try Neo Restaurant for sustainably-sourced, refined seafood dishes, or popular So:Bo Fish for a no-frills menu in a down-to-earth setting. Family-run El Murrino brings the taste of Italy while over at Lola’s there’s homemade tapas on offer. The traditional Dorset cream teas are also a must whilst you're in town so make a stop at Dot Teas Vintage Tea Boutique.

For an evening drink…

At GinJams you’ll find sophisticated cocktails and fondue, while Renoufs is the spot for a glass of fine wine to compliment a selection of local artisan cheeses and charcuterie. For a relaxed pint and home-cooked food made with locally-sourced produce, try multi-award winning Goat and Tricycle. You can also head to Sixty Million Postcards to find out if the pub truly does have ‘Bournemouth’s sunniest beer garden’.

For the perfect place to stay…

Our one and two-bedroom serviced apartments are located in a lovely leafy area of Bournemouth. Housed in a beautiful period property, these 13 stylish apartments offer contemporary interiors, fully-equipped kitchens, and a small communal garden with a secure bicycle store – just 10 minutes’ walk down to the beach. And being in the centre of town means our Bournemouth apartments are a popular spot for those seeking a connected base from which to explore all the attractions and amenities on offer.

Ready to book your stay at Viridian Apartments Bournemouth?

You can book an apartment three ways:

• Book online now
• Fill out an enquiry form for follow up
• Contact our team to chat through requirements: by phone (during office hours) +44 (0)20 3743 0331 or by email